Irrigation Water Conveyance and Application Methods
Subtopic: Irrigation scheduling
Question Statement:
In irrigation scheduling for dwarf wheat, the most critical phenological growth stage where moisture stress causes maximum irreversible grain yield reduction is:
Options:
(A) Crown Root Initiation (CRI)
(B) Late jointing stage
(C) Milking stage
(D) Dough stage
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Crown Root Initiation (CRI), occurring approximately 20–25 days after sowing, is the single most critical irrigation stage for wheat. Withholding irrigation at CRI causes the greatest reduction in tillering and crop yield.